Book Reviews

Andrew Solomon

Author

“An engaging, intelligent book for children and their families, one that neither avoids nor makes a point of the characters’ deafness, but instead simply incorporates it subtly into the appealing illustrations.”

Pearlene Utley

Mom

“The girls are already saying they are Shay and Ivy. This is the most valuable book on our kids’ bookshelves. “

Scott Pintens

Father

“The message is so very refreshing.This story helps kids realize all of the potential important paths they can pursue, outside of being a princess!”

Adam Jarashow

Pre-K Teacher

“The students were in awe when they learned that the characters in book were Deaf just like them. They stayed attentive throughout the entire story and clearly were inspired by the story. Many thanks to Sheena for creating this fabulous gem! And more please!!!”

Kyra

Age 9

“The story was so interesting about how Shay didn’t want to be a princess anymore and once her mom told her she could be anything she wanted, beyond the kingdom. I loved how she and Ivy bubbled with ideas. It was a reminder to me to follow my dreams and achieve my goals. The book gets an A+.”

Drisana Levitzke-Gray

2015 Young Australian of the Year

“Its such a magical and exciting read, inspiring even the adults to dream big and to reach for the stars!”

Melody Stein

Mozzeria Owner

“I loved the characters in “Shay & Ivy: Beyond the Kingdom.” The book isn’t just another princess story, it shows that us girls can be anything we want to be when we grow up. We are the shining stars, not only in the kingdom but beyond.”

Tawny Holmes

Education Attorney

“Wow, this great empowering story and the illustrations that indicate ASL signs are just vivid and detailed!”

Ashley Fiolek

Professional Motocross Racer

“The book is awesome and cute! Love that the author included few pictures of the characters signing and dirt bike racing”

Holden

Age 6

“Double thumbs up!”

Camila Bastidas

Newswriter

“It really shows girls to strive for success and dream big. Shay and Ivy let their imaginations run wild and through them, we see there is a world of endless possibilities for their future. It’s not the typical story about a princess looking for Prince Charming. Instead, it highlights the importance of education and family through a kids perspective.”

Angela Maria Nardillo

Creative Director

“Blown away! The art is so colorful, yet soft and the back story is so deep yet simple enough for any age to fall into. The hints of sign is perfect – it does not scream ASL, instead it is the icing on the cake for every child who learns sign to continue to express themselves while relating to a character rather than comparing themselves to the pressures of society. I found my own self relating to Shay as a child and I already can see every little girl throwing their Frozen collectibles aside for little Ms. Shay and Ivy!”

Heather Cox

Heather Cox, Stay Home Mom to Triplets

“The book has a official triplet approved stamp! Even my son enjoyed the book! Just hearing my girls say I want to be that or this and my son saying I will drive a police car is just so inspiring thanks to this book!”

Guthrie Nutter

ASL Instructor

“In this touching story, McFeely wields a sword against convention and craftily hands over a message of love to little girls all over – to be the human being they desire to be.”

Jaiden

Age 6

“I like the story because girls can be whoever they want to be!”

Deanne Bray

Actress

“It’s not often that one finds a children’s book as encouraging and delightful as Shay & Ivy: Beyond the Kingdom, a book by Sheena McFeely. The story shows us just how one can change the common perspective many have for little girls in what they should become. Another great thing about the book is how sign language is incorporated in the illustrations. The book is not a sign language book for the purpose of teaching sign language, but a story in a natural setting of what their home is like when they communicate. The reader gets a glimpse of their Shay & Ivy’s world, which shows how we are all more alike than we are different.”